GABORONE, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's data authority has indicated that the country's major causes of infant mortality are diarrhea, pneumonia, septicaemia, and severe protein-energy malnutrition.
Diarrhea leads on infant deaths causes, according to the release by Statistics Botswana on Monday.
"Mortality related to diarrhea constituted the highest proportion of infant deaths," said Burton Mguni, statistician general said.
Mguni said other causes of infant deaths pneumonia, septicaemia and severe protein-energy malnutrition reported less infant deaths.
The official said government has embarked on a number of programs to promote the health and survival of the mother and child.
"These include the 'Accelerated Child Survival and Development Programme,' a robust immunization programme and periodic prevention campaigns. These have resulted in declining infant and child mortality and improved health of mothers,"
He said the initiative is in line with the sustainable development goals which call for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
In addition, Mguni also highlighted that infant mortality is also higher in males than observed in females.
